Mariel Bloise, 2021 Biology Grad

2021 Northern Essex Community College Biology Graduate Mariel Bloise was in the spotlight on Tuesday, June 1, when she received honors for her academic success from the Lawrence City Council, which recognizes one outstanding graduate from the city each year, based on a recommendation from Northern Essex President Lane Glenn.

Bloise, who is only 19-years old, came to Lawrence from the Dominican Republic with her family in 2015. Although she spoke no English when she came here, Bloise did well academically from the start, and she began taking college classes as a high school senior through the NECC Early College Program.

When she graduated from Lawrence High School in 2019, she decided to transfer the 12 college credits she had earned to Northern Essex. Thanks to the Lawrence Promise Program, which was supported by the city council, all costs for Bloise’s associate degree were covered, including tuition, books, and supplies.

“It was a blessing for me, and my family,” she told the city council.

Bloise graduated from Northern Essex with high honors and is transferring to UMass Lowell to continue her studies in biology. Eager to move ahead with her education, she is already taking summer courses in her major. Her goal is to enroll in physician’s assistant school after getting her bachelor’s, and she is considering dermatology as a specialty. She comes from a family of doctors (her uncle and cousins) which is what interested her in the medical field.

Three generations (l to r): Karina Tavarez (mother), Mariel Bloise, Luisa Vinas (grandmother)

Bloise’s mother, Karina Tavarez was so proud to see her daughter graduate on May 15.  “I am happy to have a daughter who could obtain this goal. Having the Lawrence Promise Program, helped us financially. It meant a lot to our family.”

In introducing Bloise to the city council, Councilor Jorge Gonzalez said” I am so humbled to recognize you. As a Lawrencian, I am so proud that you are moving our city forward.”

To learn more about the college’s Early College Program, contact pk12@necc.mass.edu   To learn more about the Promise Program, contact promise@necc.mass.edu

Northern Essex Community College has campuses in both Haverhill and Lawrence. It offers approximately 60 associate degree and certificate programs as well as hundreds of noncredit courses designed for personal enrichment and career growth.  Each year, 6,000 students are enrolled in credit associate degree and certificate programs on the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses; and another 2,000 take noncredit workforce development and community education classes on campus, and at businesses and community sites across the Merrimack Valley.  For more information, visit the website at www.necc.mass.edu or call 978-556-3700.